"Riding a motorcycle is the ultimate form of freedom and self-expression, so it makes sense that women riders are happier in life and, in general, feel more fulfilled," said Claudia Garber, director of women's outreach for Harley-Davidson. "That's why learning to ride a motorcycle is the perfect gift you can give yourself and the best resolution to make for a truly life-changing new year."

"Stress can cause tension between significant others, but since more than a third (34 percent) of women riders report that they now feel less stressed after starting to ride, it's not surprising that 50 percent of them are extremely satisfied with the state of their current relationships," the company stated.

The Harley-Davidson Female Riders Survey was conducted by Kelton, a global insights firm, from May 20 to May 28, 2013, among 1,013 adult American women who ride motorcycles sometimes or regularly, and 1,016 adult American women who never ride motorcycles. Researchers used an email invitation and an online survey.

Harley-Davidson is the top-selling motorcycle brand for women riders in the United States, according to U.S. motorcycle registrations, the Motor Co. said.

Harley-Davidson encourages women to visit the Women Riders section of its website at www.h-d.com/women. The site includes testimonials, overviews of motorcycles and gear, and news about special Harley-Davidson Garage Party events. Women can search for a Garage Party in their area at www.h-d.com/garageparty. The site also features information about Harley-Davidson's Rider's Edge New Rider Course, which is offered at select dealerships around the country.